Writing and Mass Communications

Course Information

Program Overview

Websites. Television. Newspapers and magazines. Radio. Video. Social media. The field of communications continues to grow and develop.

When you major in English with a concentration in writing and mass communications at Assumption, you will have the opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively using a variety of media. In addition, the reading, writing, speaking, analytical, and design skills you acquire in your communications courses will be reinforced by the courses you take as part of your liberal arts education. English majors can specialize in creative or professional writing, journalism, media production, or create their own specialization. Several courses will also count towards a graphic design minor

Gain practical experience:

Write and edit for broadcast at state-of-of the-art media facilities such as WUCW, a local radio station, or ACTV, Assumption College's own television station

Publish your work in Thoreau's Rooster, a journal of undergraduate creative non-fiction, or Muse, a journal of undergraduate fiction, poetry and art

Participate in the New York Media Experience with an internship at a leading television network, public relations agency or sports team.

Perform in theatrical productions.

Join professors and other students to go to out of town plays or visit area museums.

Travel through Ireland or England over spring break with other English majors and enjoy having your professors as “tour guides.”

Degree Requirements

English majors concentrating in writing and mass communications take 13 to 14 English courses. If you wish to minor in writing, you must be majoring in a field other than English. Six writing courses (18 credits) in addition to English Composition are required for the minor in writing.

Required Courses:

English Composition

Introduction to Literature

Approaches to Reading and Interpretation

Introduction to Journalism

Survey of American Literature: Beginnings to the Present

Approaches to Media Analysis

Seminar in Writing and Mass Communications (senior year)

Mass Communications Practicum: Internship

2 additional literature courses (at least one at the 300 level)

Historical Perspective (1 course):

Survey of British Literature I: Beginnings to the 18th Century

Survey of British Literature II: The 19th Century to the Present

Survey of Specialties (choose three courses frome one of these specialties)

Journalism and Professional Writing

Argument and Persuasion

Special Topics in Writing and Mass Communications

Special Topics in Journalism

Business and Technical Writing

Writing and Editing

Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction

Professional and Academic Writing

Creative Writing

Writing Workshop: Autobiography

Creative Writing

Writing Workshop: Fiction

Writing Workshop: Poetry

Writing Workshop: Drama

Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction

Media Studies and Production

Speech

Introduction to Film Studies

Film and Literature

Special Topics in Writing and Mass Communications

American Film

Graphic Design I

Graphic Design II

Introduction to Digital Photography

Electronic Communication and Multimedia

Acting

TV Communication Skills

TV Production I

TV Production II

Special Topics in Television Production

Minor in Writing

A minor in writing includes six classes (18 credits) in writing, two of which may be Writing Emphasis literature classes.

A minor in writing is only available to students not majoring in English.

Required courses for minor in Writing

English composition (does not count toward 6 courses)

6 writing courses which may include writing emphasis courses

Faculty

In addition to their excellent teaching credentials, the English faculty interests blend the practical and the scholarly, which results in a rich classroom environment. Our teachers are also mentors and get to know students individually. Faculty advisors assist students with everything from course selection to exploring their career opportunities.

Seminars/Independent Studies

Independent Study

Workshop in the Teaching of English

Senior Seminar: Literature

Senior Seminar: Writing and Mass Communications

Other considerations for English courses:

There are other interesting English electives available through Assumption College’s participation in the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts. Assumption students can cross register for courses at 11 other institutions in the Worcester region.

Internships & Outcomes

Internships

English majors are strongly encouraged to gain career experience and course credit through an internship in their field of interest during their junior or senior year. Internships for academic credit give students practical, hands-on experience, allowing them to explore their career choices before graduating.

The English Department at Assumption College offers internships at more than 70 professional sites in central Massachusetts and beyond. Students can intern with publishing companies, newspapers, magazines, nonprofit organizations, theaters, radio stations, television stations, political organizations, internet providers, public relations groups, and advertising agencies.

“ Assumption aided in my success by teaching me to develop time management, organizational, and communication skills early on in my college career. The leadership experience I got from being the Assistant Editor in Chief and Sports Editor of the school newspaper, Le Provocateur, has helped me to gain valuable writing and teamwork experience.”

Hannah Coombs English '16Internship: Policy Analyst at National Press Club

"My semester in Washington, D.C., has given me a deeper look at the perception of journalism in a technologically developing world. The connections I’ve made with staff at The Washington Post, The New York Times, and other media outlets have reinforced my desire to pursue a career in this field after graduation."

Brad Elias
English '16
Internship: Intern at The Sun Chronicle

"My internship taught me how to be a journalist. I wrote sample stories, proofread articles for the opinion and community sections and got to travel around the local area and assist in reporting news stories. The biggest lesson I learned is how to research stories effectively."

Current and recent internships include:

WGBH Boston offers internships in writing, production, and public relations for programs including The Antiques Roadshow, The American Experience and This Old House.

The American Cancer Society offers internships in writing, editing, public relations, community development, and educational liaison.

Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau interns write press releases, interview public figures and celebrities, work to develop special events and festivals.

Careers

Graduates with a major in English enter an array of field including nonprofit agencies, television and radio broadcasting, journalism, advertising, strategic communications, education, social justice advocacy, media relations, marketing communications, internal communications, investor relations, corporate social responsibility, government relations and crisis management. They also pursue graduate degrees in literature, law, communications, higher education administration, and business.

“ Through my internship I learned how to write both business and online news stories for a newspaper that covers stories around Worcester county. I was able to use my communications skills to connect with my boss, reach out to and speak with multiple sources, and conduct my own research on leads.”

Molly Brown
English '16
Internship: Marketing and Communications Intern for ESPN Radio New Hampshire

"I'm happy I chose this internship because I not only gained experience in the marketing and communication fields, but I also learned a lot about sales and advertising. I wrote commercial scripts for on-air advertising, managed social media accounts and reached out to organizations who may want to advertise on our station."

"Assumption prepared me for this internship with a few courses - Media Analysis and Video Production. My Media Analysis course taught me different laws and filters that I see applied everyday. My Video Production courses have allowed me to understand technical and creative processes that take place in my department."

Kathryn Graydon
English '16
Media Assistant at the DCU Center

"As a media assistant, I am in charge of in-game replay and game highlights. I work in the control room during the games. I am looking to enter the sports broadcasting and producing field after graduation, so this experience will make me more prepared for my career."
career."

Emily Hite
English '15
Human Resources Intern at Marlborough Hospital
Post-Grad Plans: Client Service Coordinator at Long Term Services

"My internship at Marlborough gave me insight on where I want to head professionally after graduation. I've always enjoyed being involved with organizations that help people in some way, and Marlborough does that by providing healthcare to the community. By working in Human Resources, I got a feel for a typical office setting in the healthcare industry, and I can see myself thriving in similar environments."

"The environment at Assumption allowed me to get one-on-one attention to ensure my acceptance into the internship program at Entertainment Tonight, as well as overall support for how to succeed. During my internship I was given the opportunity to prepare sets, assist on shoots, and prepare questions for interviews. Due to my success, I have been hired full-time after graduation."

Our graduates find careers as:

Nonprofit Agencies

Television/Radio/Website Communications

Public Relations

Advertising

Journalism

Publishing

Human Resources

Teaching

Business

Recent positions include:

Director of Development, The Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corporation

Teacher and literacy specialist, Churchill School and Center, New York City